The impact of international treaties on South African law post 1996

Abstract

This research report considers the position of international treaties—referred to as international agreements in the South African Constitution—in the South African legal system, following the enactment of the final Constitution. This research report investigates the Constitution’s legal framework regarding the incorporation of international agreements into South African municipal law. It also examines matters relating to withdrawal from international agreements, the effects of international agreements ratified by Parliament but not incorporated into national law, and the importance of international agreements when interpreting national legislation and human rights. This research is of particular interest as prior to the final Constitution, no South African constitution provided a framework for incorporating international agreements into national law. While a framework now exists for incorporation of international agreements in South African national law, several issues still surround the incorporation of international agreements into national law, as will become evident throughout this research report